Iranian Desert Mantis vs Purple-winged Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Iranian Desert Mantis Purple-winged Mantis
Scientific Name Eremiaphila iranensis Tenodera australasiae
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Eremiaphilidae Mantidae
Size 15-25 mm 70-95 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Underground
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Iran Australia, Oceania
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Iranian Desert Mantis

A small, pale mantis endemic to the deserts of Iran. It runs rapidly across gravel plains to ambush small invertebrate prey.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few mantis species able to survive in salt flat environments.

Purple-winged Mantis

A large Australian mantis with distinctive purple-tinged wings that are displayed in flight. It is one of the more conspicuous mantis species found in tropical and subtropical Australia.

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Did You Know?

When it flies, the purple wings create a startling flash of colour that may confuse bird predators.